Three New College Students Honored for Rescuing Fisherman from Sarasota Bay

At a ceremony held at Cook Hall on Thursday, April 23, New College of Florida students Eliza Cameron, Loren Niurka Mora and Caitlin Petro were honored for their heroism in saving fisherman Michael McClure from Sarasota Bay on the evening of Thursday, April 16.  Provost Sam Savin and and New College Police Lt. Mike Kessie officiated at the noon ceremony, presenting each of the students with certificates of commendation.

“The pride we feel in our students usually relates to academic accomplishments or public service, but today we’re here to celebrate a difference kind of achievement,” stated Savin in addressing a large gathering of students, faculty, reporters and well-wishers.  “In pulling Mr. McClure to shore, you did a life-saving act.  We’re here today to celebrate Mr. McClure’s good fortune and the quick thinking and brave acts of our students.”

Savin presented a certificate to each student on behalf of New College President Mike Michalson in appreciation for “brave and valorous acts in rescuing citizen Michael McClure from Sarasota Bay…through their courage and compassionate response, they have exhibited the highest humanitarian principles of a Novo Collegian and Good Samaritan.”

Lt. Mike Kessie of the New College Police said, “On behalf of Chief Wes Walker and the entire New College Police department, we’d like to congratulate the three students for their unselfish act of saving Mr. McClure.” Kessie presented each student with a certificate commending her for “heroic actions in assisting an endangered person.”

The 67 year-old McClure, a part-time Sarasota resident from Michigan, was at the ceremony to express his deep personal appreciation.  “As my waders were filling with water, I looked to shore and asked for help,” he recalled.  “With very little hesitation these three individuals, without any thought for their own risk, jumped in the water fully clothed and swam out to me.  I was feeling quite alone and afraid, but when I saw the three of them, I was encouraged.”

McClure praised the New College Admissions staff for their “tremendous ability to attract people of great character.  I will be eternally grateful to these three very special students,” he concluded.

For more information contact Linda Joffe, Associate Director of Public Affairs, (941) 487-4154 or [email protected].